Our Amish Story-One Hoof at a Time
The cell phone rings, and my husband, Mitch, answers. “Hi, it’s Jacob.” “Hey, Jacob, what's up?” Mitch replies. This is not just any friend; this is a call…
Topic
Tag: Disability
57 stories · page 1 of 3
This Will Make You Stronger: Parenting a Child with Special Needs
I am not saying our life wasn't hard. At times, life was exhausting, isolating, and stressful. Yet the joys outweighed the hard times, and when I look back,…
My View in Buffalo News: Positives and Negatives of Smartphones are Tough to Sort Out.
My View in Buffalo News today: Do you remember phone numbers, paper maps, or life before Siri? 📞🗺️ Our cell phones have become our “external hard drive,” but…
Jessica’s House, Downtown Voices
In a world that often moves too fast, Jessica’s dinner table, filled with love, friendship, and music, reminds us what truly matters. I enter my daughter Jessica’s house.…
Easy Moving Tips for Families Raising Kids with Disabilities
Moving with a family member with a disability? Discover essential tips to make the process smoother and less stressful for your family.
Happy Birthday, Jessica
Happy Birthday, Jess - Chapter 1 - Raising Jess: A Story of Hope- April 11, 1982, The beginning of our story. As the months passed, the doctor continued…
How FaceTime Keeps Us Close to Our Nonverbal Daughter Jess
Are you snowed in this morning? Here's a heartWARMING blog to warm YOUR Hearts! FaceTime with Jess: Staying Connected with our Nonverbal Daughter: A Very Short Story
Seizures and Bravery
Bravery isn’t always loud—it’s Mitch’s calm, my panic-to-strength, and Jessica facing the unimaginable every time
Two Years for a Teeth Cleaning: A Dental Story with a Happy Ending
After 2 years of waiting, a confusing policy, a last-minute call, and one amazing doctor, Jessica finally made it to the OR— A Dental Story
Recipe for Disaster with a Happy Ending : Sibling Advocacy for Our Daughter With Severe Intellectual Disabilities
A choking scare in 2012 changed everything. Our son, Alex, instinct led to new safety protocols—and saved his sister Jessica from disaster.
Creative Ways to Support Kids with Disabilities
The world isn’t built with every child in mind. Embrace creativity and flexibility to unlock doors where the standard system falls short for your child. Read for Creative…
From the Block to Book ~Thank you, Randy, Memories of Westbury Childhood
"Three years, many lessons, and a marketing struggle later—Randy’s note reminds me why I keep sharing Raising Jess!"
Bridging the Keys to Life
Bridge One The minute we cross the first bridge, my husband becomes Caribbean Mitch. It's like a switch has been flipped, and he's instantly in his element. There's not…
Jessica and Medicaid
Many ask, 'How are proposed Medicaid cuts going to affect your daughter Jessica?' I don’t mind the question, but I wish I had an answer. #Medicaid #DisabilityRights #Healthcare…
Caring for the Caregiver: 7 Essential Self-Care Strategies for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Strategies to guide parents of children with special needs integrate self-care into your routine, ensuring you remain balanced and energized.
THE F-WORDs
The F-word? Why does your mind immediately go there? That's not what I meant at all-Read to see the real meaning of F-words & some H-words!
Resilience, Community and Family Stories – Heart of the Matter
Okay, let me explain Vick Squared. First, it’s Vickie (me) and Vicki (Atkinson, who is also a Ph.D, so she has even more letters! One of the hosts).…
Raising Jess: A Story of Hope – A Gift For All Readers
Whether facing challenges or looking for inspiration, "Raising Jess" will show that thriving is possible, no matter what life throws your way
R- Word Cuts Like a Knife
(Article written in 2008) This article was posted in the Buffalo News in 2008 – I am re-posting it today because Former President Donald Trump called Vice President…
Buffalo News Version- Mh.D. or Motherhood can be a Series of Formidable Challenges~
"Stop the presses! My article made the Buffalo News, My View column! 🌟 If you're reading this twice... well, it's just that exciting! 🎉 Sorry for the déjà…
Family Reunion 2024
It's noon, but "5 o'clock somewhere!" Playing UNO, and enjoying a too-early beer at our annual 13th (or maybe 10th or 11th) family reunion! #RaisingJess #CattaraugusCounty, #WesternNewYork, #FamilyReunion,…
Rocking Babies in the NICU: Bringing Comfort and Connection to Newborns
Volunteering as a NICU Baby Rocker, I comforted fragile infants in a Level 4 NICU, providing essential touch and care. Touch is crucial for newborns, especially for those…
Jessica’s Friend Network
Facing life's curveballs is easier with friends. These women embraced Jessica into their circle, turning it into her very own Friend Network! #RaisingJess #Friends #Disability #Inspiring #Rare Disease…
Balancing Personal and Professional Goals as a Parent of Child with Special Needs
Parenting a child with disabilities impacts personal & professional life. Achieving balance requires thoughtful strategies and adjustments.
WOW! Memorial Day Wishes and Kind of a Writing Break
Book promo isn't easy, but WOW! moments keep me going. When I receive your feedback about Raising Jess, It Reminds me why I do what I do!
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